This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV steering problems
severe Owners of the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV have filed 16 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2022 Bolt EUV | 9 |
| 2023 Bolt EUV (this page) | 16 |
1crash
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This informational bulletin instructs the tech when fuel/fluid is needed to be tested and where it can be sent for analysis.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a procedure inspecting for excess grease or Sealant on the Exterior of the steering gear due to seeing grease or sealant on certain locations on the gear.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides a vibration analysis worksheet the technician can use in conjunction with the appropriate Vibration Analysis-Road testing procedure when diagnosing vibration concerns.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides technicians with updated information to help identify the differences between what is considered a fluid leak, and what is considered fluid seepage.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a dangerous pattern: the steering wheel binds and refuses to return to center after turning in any direction. The problem emerges gradually between 25,000 and 42,000 miles. One owner documented the malfunction starting at 25,000 miles, worsening until 40,000. Another noted the steering had stiffened noticeably by 42,000 miles.
The root cause appears to be internal rack & pinion failure. Owners report that grease is lost over time, causing the rack to seize. Steering becomes stiff, nearly frozen, and makes clunking or crunchy sounds. Drivers are forced to manually wrestle the wheel back to straight — a safety hazard, especially at highway speeds or in emergency situations. One owner nearly crashed because of unresponsive steering. Children and new drivers quickly notice the abnormal behavior.
Steering also exhibits locking at specific positions (9 and 3 o'clock) and excessive stiffness during turns at low to moderate speeds. The problem is random and unpredictable. Owners report the issue appears across multiple Bolt model years in online forums, suggesting a systemic design or manufacturing problem. Independent service centers have confirmed rack & pinion failures; one owner's vehicle was out of warranty at 42,000 miles.
Failure modes owners describe
Steering Rack Binding/Seized
Internal rack & pinion assembly fails to move freely, causing the steering wheel to not return to center after turns. The condition worsens over time as grease is lost and internal components bind up.
When: Appears between 25,000 and 42,000 miles; gradually develops
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel does not return to center after turns; Stiff, binding steering wheel; Wheel feels nearly frozen; Steering resistance increases over time; Crunchy steering sounds; Clunking noises from steering assembly; Loss of steering precision; Driver forced to manually wrestle wheel back to center
Repairs/costs cited: Independent service centers have confirmed rack & pinion failure; owners report needing immediate repair at independent mechanics
Steering Wheel Lock Points / Stiffness at Turns
Steering wheel exhibits excessive stiffness and locking sensation at specific turn positions, particularly at low to moderate speeds, preventing smooth steering return.
When: Occurs randomly during normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks at specific positions (reported at 9 and 3 o'clock); Excessively stiff steering when turning left and right; Steering wheel unresponsive at slow to moderate speeds; Loose feeling of steering that comes and goes
Turn Signal Stalk Non-Return
Turn signal stalk fails to return to the original position after activating a turn, though this may be a separate mechanical issue from the main steering rack problem.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signal stalk does not return to center after use
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The steering wheel locks at 9 and 3 when turning the wheel. It doesn’t spin back like it should when returning straight. Very dangerous!
I am experiencing a well known flaw in the Chevy Bolt steering rack. The rack loses grease over time and eventually begins making clunking sounds, does not return the steering wheel to center, and makes steering less precise. This is a very common issue within Chevy Bolt forums and should be addressed by Chevy as a safety issue.
2023 Bolt's steering wheel doesn't return to center position while driving making it dangerous to drive.
Steering system not behaving as expected. Very stiff when making left and right turns at slow and moderate speeds, with a failure of the steering wheel to return to center.
Had steering trouble with your 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EUV?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2023/Chevrolet/Bolt EUV.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.